A third case of highly infectious measles has been confirmed in Wellington.

Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora said this new case was linked to an earlier case who visited Mediterranean Foods Trattoria & Deli in Newtown while infectious.

The new case was at the restaurant, previously identified as a location of interest, on Sunday April 19, between 5.30pm and 8.23pm.

The National Public Health Service (NPHS) said the person did the right thing by recognising symptoms early, contacting health services and isolating promptly.

“Locations of interest are still being assessed, and these will be published as soon as they are available,” Health New Zealand said.

Medical Officer of Health Dr Richard Vipond said people who were walk-up diners at Mediterranean Foods Trattoria & Deli on April 19, and who are not immune to measles, may now be developing symptoms.

“Anyone who was at the restaurant on Sunday April 19, should be alert for symptoms such as the start of a skin rash through to Sunday, May 10,” Vipond said.

He said if symptoms develop, it is important that people stay at home and seek advice.

“There are several locations of interest linked to previous cases, and people are encouraged to monitor for symptoms if they have been to one of those locations.

“Measles is a serious and highly infectious illness, which can affect adults as well as children and babies,” Vipond said.

Symptoms of measles include:

• A runny nose, fever, cough, sore watery pink eyes (conjunctivitis) and a rash that develops a few days after fever.
• Fever (higher than 38C) is still present at the time of rash onset.
• A rash, beginning on the face and gradually spreading down the body to the arms and legs.
• The rash lasts for up to one week.

Health New Zealand advised that anyone who develops symptoms should stay at home and call their healthcare provider or Healthline on 0800 611 116 for advice.

“Please call ahead before visiting a clinic to help prevent potential spread,” it advised.

Health New Zealand said the MMR vaccine is highly effective at preventing measles.

The vaccine is free in New Zealand for all children under 18, regardless of immigration status, and for adults 18 years old and over who are eligible for publicly funded healthcare, which includes all citizens and permanent residents.